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Rail Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Warehouse Forklift Operator Why Choose Suddath to "Move" your Career to the Next Level? At Suddath ... Efficiently move product from staging and/or storage areas into rail cars, trailers or containers.

Machine Operator (Night Shift) Architectural Products Group Crofton, Maryland, United States Job ID ... railing, Catalyst™ Fence Solutions, Sakrete ® packaged concrete, Amerimix ® mortar, Pebble ...

Hourly Rate: $19.00 Major Goal This position is responsible for safely and efficiently operating a ... Efficiently move product from staging and/or storage areas into rail cars, trailers or containers.

Hourly Rate: $19.00 Major Goal This position is responsible for safely and efficiently operating a ... Efficiently move product from staging and/or storage areas into rail cars, trailers or containers.

... railing, Catalyst™ Fence Solutions, Sakrete ® packaged concrete, Amerimix ® mortar, Pebble ... Perform routine machine maintenance * Assist other operators to set up machines and any other ...

Showing results 41-60

Rail Operator information

See Washington salary details

$5

$25

$40

How much do rail operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail operator in Washington is $25.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.88 and $33.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rail operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rail Operator, you need a strong understanding of rail safety protocols, operational procedures, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with train control systems, signaling technology, and sometimes certification in railway operations are important technical requirements. Attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial to ensure the safe, efficient, and timely operation of trains, minimizing risks and service disruptions.

What are some common challenges faced by rail operators during their shifts?

Rail operators frequently encounter challenges such as managing unexpected delays, ensuring passenger safety during peak hours, and responding to equipment malfunctions or track obstructions. They must stay alert and follow strict protocols to maintain schedules and communicate effectively with control centers and other crew members. Adapting to changing weather conditions and handling emergency situations calmly are also essential aspects of the role.

What is a rail operator?

Rail operators are professionals responsible for operating trains and ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of passengers or freight along railway networks. Their duties typically include monitoring train controls, adhering to schedules, communicating with dispatchers, and following safety protocols. Rail operators play a critical role in maintaining the smooth operation of rail services and must undergo specialized training and certification.

What qualifications do I need to work as a rail operator?

Rail operators typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training on operating train systems. Certification or licensing from relevant transportation authorities is often required, and good communication, attention to safety, and the ability to work flexible hours are important skills for the role.

Is it hard to be a rail operator?

Being a rail operator involves operating trains safely and efficiently, which requires technical skills, attention to detail, and adherence to safety protocols. The job often involves shift work, including nights and weekends, and may require certification or licensing depending on the region. While it can be demanding, proper training and experience help manage the job's challenges.

What is the difference between Rail Operator vs Train Conductor?

AspectRail OperatorTrain Conductor
CredentialsDriver's license, safety certifications, train operation trainingSafety certifications, customer service training
Work EnvironmentCab of the train, control roomPassenger cars, station platforms
Employer & Industry UsageRail companies, transit authoritiesRail companies, transit agencies
Primary ResponsibilitiesOperate and control train movementAssist passengers, ensure safety, manage tickets

While both roles are essential in rail transportation, the Rail Operator primarily focuses on operating the train and ensuring safe movement, whereas the Train Conductor handles passenger interactions and safety onboard. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the rail industry.

What are popular job titles related to Rail Operator jobs in Washington? For Rail Operator jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rail Operator jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Rail Operator jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Rail Operator jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Rail Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Rail Operator jobs in WA? For Rail Operator jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Rail Operator job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,132 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

$19/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Suddath rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 29 rated removal and storage companies


Job description

Warehouse Forklift Operator

Why Choose Suddath to "Move" your Career to the Next Level?

At Suddath, you can be part of something special and inclusive! Join a team that has a 100+ year reputation for excellence as an innovative, growing and financially stable company that is dedicated to promoting a culture that thrives on inclusion and diversity. From numerous awards to being recognized as one of the best places to work, Suddath offers a caring, family environment while providing relocation and logistics services to people and companies all around the world.

What We Offer!

  • A competitive wage with a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(k) plan with company matching
  • Weekly pay for hourly-paid employees. Biweekly pay for salaried employees.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid company holidays
  • A tuition reimbursement plan where employees are encouraged to continue their education and development
  • For more information on our benefit offerings, please visit https://suddath.com/about/careers/ and scroll down to view our employee benefits.

Hourly Rate - $19.00

MAJOR GOAL: This position is responsible for safely and efficiently operating a forklift or other powered material handling equipment (MHE) to move and stack merchandise. The scope of this position includes all phases of warehousing including, shipping, receiving, inventorying, product repackaging, palletizing and forklift operation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Operate all equipment in a safe and efficient manner following prescribed work methods and OSHA standards including daily inspection and maintenance. Load, unload, move, stack and stage product and materials using a gasoline, liquefied gas, or electric powered MHE equipped with lifting devices such as forklift, boom, scoop, lift beam and swivel hook, fork grapple, clamps, elevating platform, or trailer hitch or motorized pallet rider. Unload inbound shipments safely and move product to storage locations. Efficiently stack and store the merchandise in the appropriate areas. Pull and prepare product for shipment, ensuring that the exact number and type of product is loaded and shipped. Efficiently move product from staging and/or storage areas into rail cars, trailers or containers. Ensure inbound and outbound shipments are accurate and free of damage. Pick and pack (order picking and/or assembly of products in less than full case lots), light assembly (assembly of light mechanical or electrical component parts or sub-assemblies that may require the use of hand tools) and record storage. Perform labeling, sorting, wrapping, packing, and repacking as needed. Keep appropriate records and reports to guarantee that tight inventory control and security are maintained. Assist in physical inventories. Ensure proper stock rotation. Ensures customers' special requests are carried out and all problems and/or discrepancies are investigated. Coordinate as necessary with all other departments/functions. Maintain a clean neat and orderly work area.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Leadership Supervise the training, development, appraisal and work assignments of Material Handlers and/or temporary personnel, if applicable General Direction Supervision - receive very general guidance with respect to overall objectives; work is usually quite independent of others; operate within division or department policy guidelines using independent judgment in achieving assigned objectives.

Other Duties & Responsibilities:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Comply with all safety policies, practices and procedures. Report all unsafe activities to supervisor. Participate in proactive team efforts to achieve departmental and company goals. Provide leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge/skill.

Education & Experience:

High school or G.E.D. degree; minimum three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language Skills:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills:

Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

Computer Operations:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should be able to learn and effectively use software applications such as move management, timekeeping, HRIS and other software systems used in the performance of job duties. RF Scanner.

Planning/Organization:

Ability to prioritize and re-prioritize as situations and needs change throughout the workday Ability to multi-task and organize workflow to manage daily responsibilities, meet deadlines and prioritize work.

Certificates/Licenses/Registrations:

Certified license of powered material handling equipment.

Working Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Outdoors and indoor shop environment with adequate ventilation. Exposure to vibration, improperly illuminated or awkward and confining work spaces. Working above ground level where the possibility of falling exists. Frequent lifting and carrying of items. Loud noises typical.

Physical/Environmental Demands:

Activity:

Stand - Over 2/3 Time Walk - Over 2/3 Time Sit - 1/3 to 2/3 Time Use hands to finger, handle, or feel - Over 2/3 Time Reach with hands and arms Over 2/3 Time Climb or balance 1/3 to 2/3 Time Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl Over 2/3 Time Talk or hear Over 2/3 Time Taste or smell Under 1/3 Time Other - None

Physical Activity Level:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds unassisted. The employee must be able to carry and climb a ladder. Must be capable of standing and walking for extended periods (at least 2 hours straight, four times in an 8-hour day) Must be able to twist, stoop, squat, reach above shoulder level and crouch on a frequent basis. Must be able to use hands and feet simultaneously and for repetitive movements.

Manual Dexterity:

Manual dexterity sufficient to reach/handle items, works with the fingers, and perceives attributes of objects and materials.

Special Vision Requirements:

Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less) Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more) Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors) Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point) Depth perception (three dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships) Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus)

The Suddath Companies is a multifaceted group of companies that specialize in worldwide corporate employee relocations, household moving, warehouse and logistics management and specialized transportation services.

The Suddath Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.


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